Guitar One Records
There is a particular kind of musical confidence that comes only with experience. It is the ability to stretch without losing focus, experiment without sacrificing soul, and make complex arrangements sound effortless. Misty Blues display that quality throughout Still Ticking.
The band’s eighteenth album continues their exploration of the space where blues, R&B, funk, jazz and roots music meet. At the centre is Gina Coleman, whose commanding voice gives the record much of its emotional weight.
Battle Cry immediately sets a high standard. Richly layered and expansive, the song reveals more with each listen. The arrangement is sophisticated without becoming overcrowded, while the interplay between the vocalists adds depth to a performance filled with urgency and grandeur.
Elsewhere, Passion shows the band’s ability to combine groove with atmosphere. Its soulful momentum reflects a group entirely comfortable with its identity and confident enough to let the music develop naturally.
The funk-driven Trifling Man is another highlight. Coleman shares vocal duties with Lady Bianca in a spirited performance filled with personality and controlled intensity. Their voices complement and challenge each other, creating one of the album’s most memorable moments.
What makes Still Ticking so rewarding is the sense that Misty Blues are continuing to move forward. Despite an extensive catalogue, there is no sign of complacency. Instead, this is a seasoned band refining its distinctive sound while remaining open to new ideas.
Adventurous, soulful and stylistically broad, Still Ticking is a confident addition to an already impressive body of work. It also proves that Misty Blues remain very much alive and moving forward.
Colin Campbell
